Genius Sonority is bringing its quirky RPG, The New Denpa Men, to iOS and Android devices on March 10. Originally a Nintendo Switch title from July 2024, the mobile launch introduces cross-platform play, allowing phone and console users to connect. This new version maintains the core adventure but comes with a few key differences and a new free-to-play model for the series.
A Big Jump to Mobile with Cross-Platform Play
The upcoming release marks a significant expansion for The New Denpa Men. By launching on the two biggest mobile platforms, the game opens its doors to a much larger audience.
The most exciting feature is cross-platform play. This means players on Nintendo Switch can interact and play with friends using their iOS or Android phones. This move helps create a single, unified community for the game, regardless of the device.
While the adventure is largely the same, players should be aware of some platform-specific limitations before they jump in.
How Mobile and Switch Versions Differ
Not all features from the Nintendo Switch version made it to the mobile release. The differences are most notable for iOS users, who will have a slightly more restricted experience compared to Android and Switch players due to system limitations.
The biggest change for iOS is the removal of the “Normal Catch” feature for capturing Denpa Men. Mobile players on both platforms will get a new “QR Catch” method, where they can scan codes to collect the creatures. Here is a clear breakdown of what is available on each platform.
| Feature | Switch | iOS | Android |
| Normal Catch | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| QR Catch | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Together Catch | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Offline Catch | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Additionally, some multiplayer modes that define the cooperative experience on the Switch will not be available on mobile devices.
- Together Catch: This mode, which lets up to four players hunt for rare Denpa Men together, remains a Switch exclusive.
- Offline Catch: Similarly, this local co-op feature will not be present in the iOS or Android versions.
Despite these changes, mobile players can still enjoy the game with either touchscreen controls or by connecting a traditional game controller.
What is The New Denpa Men All About?
For those new to the series, The Denpa Men is a unique RPG that blends turn-based combat with real-world discovery. Instead of finding monsters in tall grass, players capture Denpa Men, which are tiny creatures that float around in real-world radio waves.
Each Denpa Man has a unique color and ability, allowing you to build a diverse party for battles. The game also includes life-simulation elements. Players get their own island to decorate and can interact with their Denpa Men to make them happier. You can also go fishing or trade special items called vouchers with other players.
A New Free-to-Play Model for the Series
The New Denpa Men is taking a different approach from its predecessors by being free-to-play. Past games in the series were sold as complete, paid titles.
Genius Sonority describes the new game as a “consumer game, but operated on a daily basis.” This suggests a live-service model with regular events, new content, and item drops to keep players engaged over time. While the full details on monetization are not yet clear, players can likely expect optional in-app purchases for things like speeding up progress or buying cosmetic items for their island and characters. This shift makes the game more accessible to a broad audience, inviting new fans to try it without an upfront cost.
